When you Google “Fourth of July” barbecuing is part of the definition of the holiday. It also tells us that Independence Day is the American national holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 but what do a lot of websites, definition focus on? The food aspect and activities of the holiday.
So many people talk to me about how they just gained weight over the Memorial Day weekend or how they are afraid because they just lost weight and 4th of July is right around the corner.
I’m speaking from experience. I just got back to healthy eating and a healthier lifestyle since I broke a bone in my foot and sprained my ankle. I am definitely not at my desired weight. If you are on a weight loss or healthy eating plan, remember it’s okay to indulge ,but, if possible, stay within or around your limits.
How do you treat the holidays in regard to what you will or will not eat? Do you eat everything you see or do you eat in moderation? If you are health conscious or thinking of beginning a healthier lifestyle, start thinking about your food choices for this red, white and blue weekend. IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICES! You have the power and control. Make the choice!
Choose to eat a healthy salad with fruits and veggies!
It’s perfectly fine to indulge for the holidays if your health permits it, but for those of you who are trying to lose weight or have health issues, I have a question for you. When you take a break from your normal, healthy lifestyle for the holidays, is it because you associate holidays with eating unhealthy or because you associate food with fun? Some people choose to eat more, drink more or completely forget about their entire diet and/or workout routine. For a lot of us, when going to a 4th of July barbecue or party, we think, “I’m going to gain weight.” We are already preparing our mind to eat everything and anything. I believe it’s because that is what most of us learned as children (not on purpose) and still feel that way throughout adulthood. I know my mom taught me “live to eat” not “eat to live”.
Some questions to ask yourself before 4th of July:
Do you intend to take in more calories?
If you follow Weight Watchers, will you choose to save your points for your splurge meals?
If you are following a calorie restricted plan, will you save your calories for specific meals?
Will you eat foods that you normally wouldn’t eat?
Choose some healthier alternatives and/or exercise a little more!
There is no right or wrong. It’s what works for you. Sometimes thinking about your choices ahead of time will ease the guilt afterward. Please don’t eat everything you want and then feel guilty about it because that may lead to binge eating . Do it, love it, own it and move on and back to your healthy lifestyle.
Here are some ideas if you are going to a barbecue or party. Most events this weekend will more than likely have plenty of the following:
Red meats (hamburgers, steaks), hot dogs, etc.
Salads (unhealthy ones; a lot of mayonnaise such as potato, macaroni, coleslaw)
Chips and dips
Candy & other goodies
Yummy desserts
There are a number of things you can choose to do, eat instead or in addition to:
Don’t worry about calorie counts for one day (but plan it ahead of time).
Bring your our own proteins or veggies to barbecue (most people understand).
If you are a vegan or vegetarian bring some of your own foods to be sure and/or let the hosts know ahead of time.
Eat a very light breakfast and/or lunch/dinner and save your calories or points for your indulgence.
Be there for the company, mingling and camaraderie, not just the food.
Allow yourself to eat more and then take a long walk and encourage others to do the same.
Fill up on the healthy salads, vegetables and healthier foods first.
If you are going to attend more than one event, eat and drink whatever you want at one of them, then go back to healthful choices at the others or pick one thing from each to indulge.
Eat whatever you want throughout the weekend, but in moderation, and count calories.
If you already workout and you are able, continue to follow your daily workout routine, maybe do a little more than usual, then you’ll be able to eat a little more.
Remember, you are in control of your destiny, weight, eating, working out, mind and body. You get the results you put into a healthy lifestyle. Choose to make the right choices for YOU. That can mean indulging and returning to healthy eating healthy afterward. It’s all about whatever works for YOU!
I repeat: It’s okay to indulge for the holidays, it’s just a matter of doing it in moderation. There is no right or wrong, it’s what works for you!
Choose to burn more calories by doing one of these activities:
Get out and enjoy the weather and burn off some calories.
Play with the kids, pets or grandkids.
Take a bicycle ride (alone, with the entire family or with another person).
Take a hike or a walk (with your dog, alone, family, friends, one other person).
Go fishing.
Go bowling.
Play frisbee or badminton.
Do some gardening.
Turn up the music and get people to dance at the party or dance alone.
Pick something you love to do and go burn some extra calories for the weekend.
Have a great 4th of July weekend. Don’t allow food to stress you out. Try not to weigh yourself after a weekend of indulgence. And most of all – HAVE FUN!!!!!!! Be safe – DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!!!! AND NOW IN 2016 – DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE. (just saying)
